Bookmark These 8 Itineraries For Australia For When We Can Finally Travel Overseas Again
The glorious coffee, the amazing weather, the mouth-watering brunches, the gorgeous beaches, we miss it all!
Man, we really miss going on overseas holidays, especially to Australia!
The glorious coffee, the amazing weather, the mouth-watering brunches, the gorgeous beaches, we miss it all.
Just because we can’t go there just yet, doesn’t mean that we can’t daydream and plan for when we can finally go cuti-cuti there again, hehe.
1. Western Australia: 5 Days on the Indian Ocean Drive (Perth and surrounding areas)
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 897km
Transport: Car
Nearest major city: Perth
There's nothing quite like an Australian road trip. With this itinerary, you'll be heading from Perth to the Pinnacles Desert, one of Australia's most unique landscapes, and end up at the ancient gorges of Kalbarri National Park. You can embark on this adventure all year round, but between June to October is recommended, to coincide with wildflower season.
Highlights include:
- Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park: Follow the drive trail or walking track to see thousands of golden limestone spires, then head over to the Pinnacles Discovery Centre to learn more about this lunar-like landscape.
- The crayfishing town of Cervantes: Take a relaxing dip at Hangover Bay or Thirsty point, and go on an informative tour of the town's rock lobster factory. Make sure to feast on the catch of the day at local restaurants and cafes.
- Jurien Bay: Go snorkelling in the biodiverse Jurien Bay Marine Park, skydive out of a plane onto the gorgeous beach below, or jump aboard a sea lion charter with Turquoise Safaris to swim with playful marine life.
- Geraldton: Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Batavia Shipwreck coast at the Geraldton Museum. Check out their Aboriginal art gallery too. Have lunch on Geraldton's buzzing foreshore.
- Kalbarri National Park: Explore dramatic coastal rock formations, 400-million-year-old river gorges, the spectacular Hutt Lagoon (a.k.a the Pink Lake), and dazzling spring wildflower displays. Make sure to go on the new breathtaking twin skywalks too!
Get the full itinerary here.
2. South Australia: 5 Luxurious Days of Kangaroo Island and Adelaide (Adelaide and surrounding areas)
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 500km
Transport: Car
Nearest major city: Adelaide
This itinerary is for those who want a totally atas holiday. Set off on a luxurious adventure like no other from Adelaide, which includes amazing experiences like swimming with dolphins, walks in the wilderness, and lots of fine food and wine.
Highlights include:
- The Cube @ d'Arenberg winery: Located in McLaren Vale not too far from Adelaide, this avant-garde, five-storey structure fashioned after an unfinished Rubik’s. It houses the Museum of Alternate Realities, a virtual fermenter, and a tasting room.
- Emu Bay Boat Ramp: Head off on a three-hour marine adventure. Join fifth-generation islander Andrew Neighbour on his high-powered jet boat to swim with dolphins and visit a colony of long-nosed fur seals.
- The quirky Frogs & Roses café: A rustic timber shed set inside a plant nursery that serves pizzas topped with ingredients from the owner’s veggie patch.
- Little Sahara: Rent a sand board and surf down the soaring sand dunes that reach 70 metres above sea level.
- Kangaroo Island Wilderness Tours: Go on a gourmet journey around the island. You'll start with a fresh seafood lunch of lobster, oysters, and crayfish, then move on to the cellar door at Dudley Wines.
Get the full itinerary here.
3. Tasmania: Circle Tasmania Road Trip (Hobart and surrounding areas)
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 1,158km
Transport: Car
Nearest major city: Hobart
This spectacular 6-day trip will take you through the very best of what Tasmania has to offer. From the tranquil beaches in the east to the rugged mountains and wilderness in the west, and even must-see attractions, you'll get to experience it all!
Highlights include:
- Bay of Fires: A beautiful region of sandy beaches flanked by orange lichen-covered granite boulders.
- Launceston: Visit art galleries and museums. Cataract Gorge is just a short walk from the city centre. Cross a suspension bridge above the water or ride the world’s longest single span chairlift.
- Narawntapu National Park: See kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, pademelons, and maybe even a Tasmanian devil.
- The World Heritage-listed Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park: Climb Cradle Mountain and walk around the mirrored waters of Dove Lake.
- Hobart: Stop at MONA (the Museum on Old and New Art) to marvel at Australia's largest privately owned art collection. Enjoy innovative share plates at The Source, MONA's onsite restaurant which overlooks the River Derwent.
Get the full itinerary here.
4. Victoria: 5-Day Family Winter Holiday in Alpine Victoria (Melbourne and surrounding areas)
Duration: 5 days
Distance: 456km
Transport: Car
Nearest major city: Melbourne
Note: In Australia, winter is from June to August.
Highlights include:
- The Produce Store: Located just 45 minutes away from Mt. Buller, their chocolate brownies are the best you'll ever taste, and their coffee is amazing too!
- Mt. Buller: It has 22 ski lifts, over 100km of runs, and a huge variation in terrain. This includes beginner slopes, intermediate runs, and double black diamond chutes for those who want to challenge themselves.
- Mt. Buller's Toboggan & Snowplay Park: The slopes aren’t too steep and kids can safely toboggan in one of two designated, supervised parks.
- Australian Sleddog Tours: Go on a family dog sledding experience. Drink in the scenery of Mt. Buller while you’re pulled through the winter landscape by a team of powerful Siberian huskies. Alternatively, you can opt to meet and greet the huskies for a small fee.
- Alpine Helicopter Charter: For an incredible, unforgettable experience, take to the skies in a sightseeing helicopter flight. Fly high above the alpine landscape and get some epic views of Mt. Buller, Mt. Stirling, and the rest of the High Country.
Get the full itinerary here.
5. New South Wales: A 6-Day Road Trip from Sydney to the Sapphire Coast (Sydney and surrounding areas)
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 975km
Transport: Car
Nearest major city: Sydney
Highlights include:
- Bannisters by the Sea in quaint Mollymook: Treat yourself to an overnight stay at this luxurious spot. It has spa options and you can sample well-known chef Rick Stein's fresh seafood creations on site.
- Mogo Wildlife Park: For surreal glimpses of giraffes and lions in an Aussie bush locale.
- Cat Balou Ocean Discovery Tour cruise: Hear about old Tom the killer whale while you try and spot magnificent humpback whales.
- Kiah Wilderness Tour: Kayak the forest-fringed reflective waters of Towamba River and be treated to a morning tea of homemade muffins afterwards.
- The Grand Pacific Drive: An iconic drive with stunning coastal views. Stop to swim or surf at Stanwell Tops, then drive over the dramatic Sea Cliff Bridge.
Get the full itinerary here.
6. Australian Capital Territory: A 6-Day Road Trip through Canberra and the Snowy Mountains (Canberra and surrounding areas)
Duration: 6 days
Distance: 350km
Transport: Car
Nearest major city: Canberra
Highlights include:
- Australian National Botanic Gardens: Walk around yourself or join a tour. The misty Rainforest Gully is especially gorgeous.
- Gravity Jindabyne: Hire bikes and ride out to Hatchery Bay or some of the other trails around Mill Creek for sensational views of Lake Jindabyne.
- Wild Brumby Schnapps Distillery: Beyond their award-winning schnapps, vodka, and gin, the meals are tasty and satisfying. Finish off with one of their alpine desserts or a Schnappygato.
- Thredbo Valley Horse Riding: Start your day with a horse ride. This is a special way to experience the essence and history of the Snowies among the sub-alpine wilderness.
- Yarrangobilly Caves: Head below ground to discover stalagmites, stalactites, and other natural cave ‘decorations’.
Get the full itinerary here.
7. Queensland: 4 Days on the Great Beach Drive (Brisbane and surrounding areas)
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 419km
Transport: 4WD
Nearest major city: Brisbane
Highlights include:
- Rainbow Beach: A picturesque seaside town overlooked by colourful, towering sand cliffs that exhibit over 70 different colours.
- 75 Mile Beach: Rent a 4WD and enjoy the thrill of driving along one of Australia's most famous sand roads. You can drive all the way up to the township of Eurong. For more sun and sand, drive further north along the beach and make stops at Lake Wabby, Eli Creek, the SS Maheno shipwreck, Indian Head, and Champagne Pools.
- Fraser Island: Explore the majestic rainforest that fringes the flowing and crystal clear waters of Wanggoolba Creek.
- Lake McKenzie: The powder white sand and crystal clear waters make this lake one of the most Instagrammable swimming spots in the world.
- Australia Zoo: Made famous by the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin. Cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos, meet cockatoos and wombats, and learn all about Australia's crocodiles.
Get the full itinerary here.
8. Northern Territory: 4-Day Family Holiday In and Around Uluru (Alice Springs and surrounding areas)
Duration: 4 days
Distance: 109km
Transport: Flight + car
Nearest major city: Alice Springs
Note: All visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park require a pass, which should be booked in advance.
Highlights include:
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park: At sunset, head to one of the park's five viewing areas for a spectacular view of the red rock monolith. Pack a picnic (and your camera), find your place on the dunes, and watch as a kaleidoscope of sunset colours are thrown over Uluru and the hue of the desert landscape intensifies.
- Ayers Rock Resort’s Red Desert Reptile Show: Get to know Bruce the blue tongue lizard, Wolverine the bearded dragon, and Max the mulga snake. Learn about the desert’s 73 different reptile species before your own up-close encounter with the critters.
- Uluṟu Camel Tours: Spend the afternoon surveying the gargantuan landscape from atop a camel. Ask for Tex (he’s textbook perfect) or Ted (he loves a cuddle), and hop along amid the dunes and spinifex with unimpeded views of Uluru at sunset.
- Field of Light: See it at dawn on a sunrise tour. Artist Bruce Munro’s solar-powered installation of 50,000 spindles of light twinkle and sway in the shadow of Uluru like a field of flowers in bloom at its base. Enjoy a cup of freshly-brewed billy tea afterwards.
- Family Astro Tour: After sunset, set off for a tour of the desert’s crowning glory. An introduction to the gorgeous night sky from a resident astronomer offers an entirely new (and sparkly) perspective.
Get the full itinerary here.
Which itinerary are you most likely to follow? Make sure to bookmark them so that you're all set to go cuti-cuti in Australia when we can finally travel overseas again! :)
Check out Tourism Australia's website for more itineraries and travel suggestions for Australia.